Zucchini (courgettes) take up lots of space in the vegetable garden. Their large leaves can shade surrounding plants and suppress weeds once established, and they like rich soil and regular water. In my experience zucchini are more temperamental than other plants, requiring plenty of sunshine, free air circulation, space and regular morning watering to avoid diseases (like powdery mildew) and fruit drop.

However, they are worth the trouble as they can be abundant croppers, with an extended fruiting period if they are well maintained and fruit is picked regularly. Zucchini are also quick to produce fruit and flowers, in as little as 6-8 weeks from germination. Depending on the insect life in your garden, you may need to assist pollination in the early mornings when both the male (skinny stem) and female (thicker stem) flowers are open by using a small paintbrush to transfer pollen between male and female flowers.

Companion planting with bee-attracting flowers can mean that you spend less time assisting pollination, and more time enjoying the fruits of your labors, while having a visually appealing vegetable patch!